The Arc of Washington County is an affiliated chapter of the Arc of Pennsylvania and the Arc of the United States. Its mission promotes the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetime.

The Arc of Washington County was established in 1952, by a group of parents who wanted to create a better future for their children, each diagnosed with a developmental or intellectual disability. Over the years, the disability industry and our community have changed. In an effort to consistently meet the needs of individuals, the Arc of Washington County is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to support their families through awareness, education, community support and family involvement.

Please support our mission by becoming a friend of the Arc of Washington County by completing our membership form online to receive up to date information regarding services, assistance in navigating systems, educational training opportunities, social activities and engagement with other families. ​

Individual

Family

Organizational

Advocacy Program

We strive to advocate for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are committed to providing support, guidance and assistance to individuals and their families to receive the level of services needed. The Arc of Washington works to advocate, improve systems of support and services, connect families, inspire communities and influence public policy.

Our goals are simple: to provide advocacy, assurance, assistance and accessibility to ensure active involvement for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout the year, we can assist numerous individuals with disabilities and their families by providing resources, information and support in navigating the system to ensure they are receiving their needed services.

Connecting Families Group

The Connecting Families group allows family members to join together and network, connect, and learn valuable information. Monthly meetings cover a variety of topics and always include refreshments and time to mingle. Join us for the next meeting on March 18 to learn about Guardianship and Powers of Attorney! ​More information can be found in the flyer below.

The Arc of Washington County offers a program that focuses on developing a local self-advocate network as well as a leadership/peer support program that includes ongoing education and resources to assist with connecting and developing skills and relationships.

Self- Advocacy is about people speaking up for themselves. The Self-Advocacy movement seeks to reduce the isolation of people with disabilities and give them the tools to take greater control over their own lives. Self-Advocacy refers to an individual’s ability to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate or assert his or her own interests, desires, needs and rights. It involves making informed decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions. (VanReusen et al., 1994).

Washington County Self Advocacy events are supported by Washington County BHDS.

Meetings are held the 4th Thursday of every month at the Chartiers Municipal building in Houston, PA and are open to all self-advocates, their staff and families.

Need guidance or someone to talk to about your rights, employment, housing or just being more involved in your community? Reach out to one of our peer mentor leaders @ 724-222-6960.

No one knows you better than you!

The mentor program has opened up my eyes to teach other people ~ Cheryl

Self-Advocacy Group

The Arc of Washington County along with the Washington County Office of BH/IDD has created a program that focuses on developing a local self-advocacy network that includes ongoing education and resources to assist with connecting and developing skills and relationships.

The Self-Advocacy group teaches individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities about speaking up for themselves. These individuals are some of the most powerless members of society. The self-advocacy movement seeks to reduce the isolation of people with disabilities and give them the tools to take greater control over their own lives.

Peer Mentorship

The Peer Mentorship training program will teach individuals an array of skills, including self-awareness and assessment, self-advocacy, problem solving and decision making, goal setting and teamwork and group development.

The Leadership Program will also provide a Peer Support Mentor, who will build relationships with each self-advocacy and assist them in working through their individual concerns or issues.​​​

Calendar of Events

Looking for something to do in Allegheny, Beaver or Washington Counties? Check out our community event listings below.